By Wisdom Nwedene
Access Bank plc, a Nigerian multinational commercial bank, owned by Access Bank Group, on Monday, recieved commendation from its customers for refunding them their money.
Recall that on Saturday night, the Internet was agog after many of the Access Bank customers cried out for help over back to back debit alerts which Access Bank tagged “Stamp Duty Charges”, SMS Charges, etc.
In a statement made available to 9NEWS NIGERIA, Access Bank said it will refund its stamp duty deductions made from the account of its aggrieved customers.
The bank noted that it recognized that it is a tough period for customers.
Reacting to customers’ reactions over the usual deductions, Acess Bank said,
“We have considered your feedback and have decided to pay the stamp duty on our customers’ behalf for the affected period only,”.
“This means that individuals and SMEs who were debited for the accumulated stamp duty charge for February to April 2020 will be refunded.”
In an earlier statement, the bank had notified customers that it did not deduct stamp duty charges on transactions that occurred between February 1, 2020, and April 30, 2020.
Speaking with 9NEWS NIGERIA correspondent on Monday, many of the Access Bank customers appreciated the bank for refunding the money.
Some of their customers said they started receiving credit alerts on Sunday night while others said they received their own on Monday morning.
They called for unity against corrupt politicians and bad leaders.
According to one of their customers, “I have been asking is it how serious Nigerians can be and we allow the so called government on lockdown and their scam all these while.”
“Now, when are we going to demand for accountability on the COVID-19 palliatives same way and manner we bullied Access bank?”
“Or are our thieving politicians above being called out???”.
Another of their customer who identified himself as Prince Adepoju said “They deduct 450 from my wife account three days ago.. What a shame to our banks in Nigeria.. We work hard to get the money,,, we work hard to save it.. We work hard to withdraw the money and with all this bank still continue thief our money.. Thunder go fire you people.”
Ipjoe Joseph said : ” They deducted more than ₦300 and return only ₦100″.
Adeniyi Ogunyemi said : “I got an alert of #100 this morning”.
Samco Ovie said : “They debits me three times #50, #150,#200 and they say the deduction is for stamp duty charges for Feb, may n one other thing but they only refund #200 to my account last night.”
Ibrahim Hassan said : “Just refund, and it’s ok? What’s the reason for the deduction, in the first place? See, nobody is saying they must be punished for that. Nigerians”.
More reactions here : https://www.facebook.com/239724326376914/posts/1198656630483674/
When 9news Nigeria reached one of Access Bank customers care representative on telephone, he noted that a statement has been released on that.
He said the Bank is committed in delivering quality service to its customers and thanked them for their patience and understanding.
